Chiefs unseat Red Booters, clinch first-ever NCAA crown

MANILA, Philippines – Arellano University pulled off a shock 2-0 victory over many-time champion San Beda yesterday to snare its first-ever NCAA football crown at the Rizal field.

Charles Vincent Gamutan scored the first goal in the 33rd minute while Jumbeng Guinabang delivered the clincher in the 80th as the Chiefs completed their remarkable campaign while ending the Red Booters’ five-year title reign.

Guinabang later took the MVP honors.

“It’s the product of the team’s hard work,” said Arellano U coach Ravelo Saluria, citing Arellano U’s all-out support through the construction of a football field with athlete’s dormitory in Lagro, Quezon City.

“We would like to thank the school for providing the team a football field to train,” said Saluria.

It was Arellano U’s second title in the season after the Chiefs topped the men’s chess in the first semester.

“The whole Arellano University community is proud of what the team has accomplished,” said Arellano U’s Mancom representative Peter Cayco.

Goalie Jericho Desalisa also stepped up and came through with several gut-wrenching saves to help the Chiefs preserve the historic win.

San Beda, which has raked in a league-best 22 crowns, sorely missed the services of striker Connor Tacagni, who was assessed a second yellow card in their 2-1 win over Arellano U last Saturday that forced a one-game title clash.

Skipper Matt Asong also failed to suit up for SBC due to injury.

In juniors’ final, St. Benilde-La Salle Greenhills came back from 1-3 down in the first half and hacked out a 5-3 victory.